Riley and Val oneshots

We can do this, together

Pov Nobody

Riley and Val had always prided themselves on being a capable and resourceful couple. From fixing leaky faucets to painting rooms, they tackled household projects with determination and teamwork. However, there was one task that had consistently tested their patience: building flat-pack furniture.

It was a sunny Saturday morning when Riley and Val decided to embark on their latest challenge—a new wardrobe for their bedroom. They had carefully selected the perfect piece online, imagining it would fit seamlessly into their cozy space. As they unloaded the heavy boxes from their car and laid out the numerous parts across the living room floor, excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension.

"Alright, we can do this," Val said optimistically, eyeing the instruction manual with determination.

Riley nodded, rolling up her sleeves. "Piece of cake. Let's get started."

They began unpacking the boxes, laying out screws, dowels, and panels in an orderly fashion. The instructions seemed straightforward enough at first glance, with neatly drawn diagrams and numbered steps. Yet, as they delved deeper into the assembly process, they quickly encountered their first hurdle.

"I think we're supposed to insert this dowel into that hole," Riley mused, squinting at the diagram.

Val nodded in agreement, but their attempts to fit the dowel into place proved futile. After a few minutes of struggling, they realized they had misaligned the panels. With a sigh, they dismantled their progress and started over.

"This time for sure," Val encouraged, handing Riley a screwdriver.

Hours passed, and what was supposed to be a simple assembly became an epic saga of twisted screws, misplaced parts, and occasional fits of laughter and frustration. At one point, Riley found herself holding up a piece upside down while Val attempted to decipher a particularly cryptic diagram.

"I swear these instructions were written in another dimension," Val joked, rubbing her temples.

Riley chuckled, wiping sweat from her brow. "Maybe we should have hired a professional."

But quitting was not an option. They were determined to conquer the wardrobe, no matter how many missteps they encountered along the way. With each setback, they learned something new—like how to interpret the instructions more accurately or when to take a short break to prevent mounting tension.

By late afternoon, the wardrobe began to take shape. They celebrated small victories—a perfectly aligned shelf here, a securely fastened door there. Their living room had transformed into a makeshift workshop, with tools strewn about and pieces of cardboard littering the floor.

"Just a few more steps," Val announced optimistically, her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and triumph.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of twisting, hammering, and adjusting, the wardrobe stood tall and sturdy before them. Riley and Val stepped back, admiring their handiwork with a sense of pride and relief.

"We did it!" Riley exclaimed, throwing her arms around Val.

Val returned the hug, laughing joyfully. "I knew we could."

As they cleaned up the remnants of their battle with the flat-pack furniture—disposing of cardboard boxes and neatly organizing leftover screws—Riley couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for their partnership. It wasn't just about assembling furniture; it was about navigating challenges together, celebrating victories, and finding humor in the midst of chaos.

That night, as they lounged in front of their newly assembled wardrobe, Riley and Val toasted their success with glasses of wine. The wardrobe, now a symbol of their perseverance and teamwork, stood as a testament to their ability to overcome obstacles, no matter how daunting.

"Here's to us," Val said, raising her glass.

"To us," Riley echoed, clinking her glass against Val's.

And in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their home and the satisfaction of a job well done, Riley and Val knew that they were not just building furniture—they were building a life together, one flat-pack challenge at a time.